An Garda Síochána have stressed that they will help and support anyone who is a victim of the crime of Domestic Abuse, they should contact their local Garda station or in an emergency call 999/112.
An Garda Síochána recognises the increase in anxiety and fear felt by those who may be victims of domestic abuse during this period of Public Health Measures to combat COVID-19. An Garda Síochána is taking this opportunity to reassure victims that domestic abuse incidents, including coercive control, will continue to receive highest priority response for service. The restructuring of An Garda Síochána ensures that there are more Gardaí than ever on the streets and in our communities around the country and we are ready to assist and protect victims of domestic abuse.
An Garda Síochána has recorded a year on year increase, of approximately 16%, in the reporting of Domestic abuse incidents between 2019/ 2020 but we have not currently recorded a significant increase in Domestic Abuse incidents since the introduction of COVID-19 Public Health Measures.
An Garda Síochána continues to liaise with and support our partners in State and non-State Agencies to facilitate continuity in respect of access to support services and Courts Services. A great deal of work and planning has gone into maintaining our business continuity and to date that plan is robustly holding firm. Frontline Gardaí, Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) and Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSU) are all resources available to respond to these crimes.
Currently there are 245 Garda Members and Staff allocated to the GNPSB and 15 DPSU nationally to investigate domestic abuse and wider issues.
This crime type is currently monitored on a daily basis under the office of Assistant Commissioner, Special Crime Operations and the Garda National COVID-19 Co-ordination Group chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.